R J Mitchell Primary School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our children's education and wellbeing. I am writing to address some important health and safety matters that require our collective attention and cooperation.

We have observed a notable increase in absences across the school due to children presenting with symptoms consistent with a viral infection which presents similarly to cold/flu symptoms. While this is not uncommon during this time of year, it is essential that we work together to minimise the spread of illness within our school community and protect the health of all our children and staff members.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of several key preventative measures that remain our most effective defence against the transmission of viruses:

Hand Hygiene and General Cleanliness

Please continue to reinforce the importance of thorough hand washing with your children at home
Encourage regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds, particularly before meals, after using the toilet, and upon returning home from school
Support your child in maintaining good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
Ensure your child has access to tissues and understands the importance of disposing of them appropriately
Temperature Monitoring and Absence Guidelines

It is crucial that children remain at home when they are unwell. If your child has a temperature of 37.5°C or above, please keep them at home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. This precautionary measure helps prevent the spread of infection and allows your child adequate time to recover fully before returning to their learning environment.

We understand that absences can be concerning from an educational perspective, but prioritising your child's health and the wellbeing of our entire school community must take precedence. Our teaching staff will continue to support children who have been absent with any missed learning upon their return.

Please continue to monitor your child's health closely and contact the school office if you have any concerns or questions regarding these guidelines. Together, we can maintain a healthy learning environment that supports all our children in achieving their full potential.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Cate Deighan
Head of School
RJ Mitchell Primary School
The Aspire Learning Federation